Subscribe

Welcome

Hi. I'm Barbara Swafford and I'd like to welcome you to Blogging Without A Blog. Grab a seat, share your thoughts and join in the conversation.

P.S. The greatest value of this blog lies in the comment section where bloggers in all phases of the blogging journey open up and share their thoughts. Click on the post title to experience the full effect of each lesson.

Featured Blogs

Free Header Art

Sometimes we take a detour on the highway of life, and it’s because we did, we end up in a better place.

Sometimes an affliction we have becomes our platform.

Sometimes we’re in the right place at the right time.

Sometimes that which haunts us, becomes an asset.

My Story

For the first two years of my blogging journey, one of my biggest challenges was learning how to change the header on my blog. I couldn’t figure it out, so I used a generic theme with a nondescript header.

In 2009 when I changed my theme, I “cheated” and chose a header where all I had to do was upload a photo.

Voila! New header art. Like the Staples button, I was able to say, “That was easy”.

But, that didn’t serve me well. I longed to learn how to make what others claimed was a simple tweak. Ha!

I just couldn’t “get it”.

Headers. Oh, how they haunted me.

Ironically, something that haunted me has now become the cornerstone of my new project.

That’s right. My struggle over headers lead me to create a site which is all about headers. All about blogging.

A site which combines two of my passions. A site to showcase my talents, plus yours.

Without further ado, it’s time to unveil what I’ve been working on for the last six months (in my free time).

And as an extra bonus, the launch of my new site includes a drawing.

It’s really quite simple.

Go to my new site, The Blog Boutique, and leave me a comment – there are eleven posts to choose from (See “Freebies” or “Recent Additions” in the lower right sidebar.

Return here and leave another comment letting me know if you want to participate in the contest

All* commenters who ask to be entered into the contest will have their name placed into a random drawing

Six winners will receive 30 days of free advertising on The Blog Boutique – in the area labeled “Awesome Creations by Bloggers” (did you see that in the sidebar?)

The winners will also receive a custom ad (125×125) designed by me. Just pick what you want to showcase – you, a product you offer, or a service (see the ADvatars page for a few examples of what I’ve created.

That’s it.

What are you waiting for?

Head on over to The Blog Boutique. Take time to look around. Click on the links and soon you’ll see what I’ve been up to.

Remember – it’s a new blog so your comment will probably end up in moderation. I’ll be approving them as quickly as I can.

The deadline for the contest is Midnight (12:01 a.m. PST -Pacific Standard Time), March 20, 2010.

.

Now for the back story of my latest project.

As you may have read on The Blog Boutique, I enjoy manipulating photos. When I finally learned how to change header images, I created one for my Observation Mountain blog. It was then the idea hit me. “Why not create headers for other bloggers, too? Why not take two of my passions and combine them?”

But I wanted that blog/site to be more than just free headers. As an advocate for bloggers, I wanted it to be a place where bloggers could go for anything they needed. Headers. A web host. Premium or free themes. Links to pages which include valuable information about blogging, or a place where they could advertise their blog, their ebooks, their services or their talent.

We all know how hard it is to get our blogs found, let alone that which we offer. so I thought, “Why not create a place bloggers can advertise their work in one central location?” When others comes by to pick up a free header, if they see an eye catching ad, they’re apt to check us out; come by and visit us. Maybe even click on our ads (if we monetize our blogs). Or, they may be looking for a service that we offer. Or, a product.

The Blog Boutique offers free headers, plus links to all things blogging. Granted, the links may be directed more toward WordPress bloggers, but I feel there’s something there for any blogger. As I learn and find more, I will add it to that site. In the meantime, I’ll be updating The Blog Boutique on a regular basis by adding dozens of new headers to the 100+/- headers which I’m currently showcasing.

As a footnote, via The Blog Boutique I will also be offering my services. Check out the “Hire me”page for more details.

P.S. I hope you enjoyed meeting my newest “baby”.

*The Blog Boutique is all about blogging and the ads for bloggers I include on that site will link to blogs which are updated regularly, contain useful content, or link to an ebook or service a blogger offers. Therefore, I will not accept nor advertise links for ads which lead to non blog related sales sites or those which contain nudity or offensive language. I created the site for bloggers who are serious about their work and the ads shall reflect the same. Therefore, don’t waste my time nor yours if your link does not meet the criteria.

P.S.S. If you find any broken links on The Blog Boutique, drop me a comment so I can fix them. Thank you!

Hi Barbara,
Very awesome!! So…you have been busy in your free time for the last several months!! And it looks like you are creating so great stuff. Congrats on the new site!!
.-= Check out Lance´s awesome post: Reflecting On It All =-.

Your new site looks brilliant, the header art is fantastic
I tried to leave a comment on the Blog Boutique, but I don’t have a WordPress account and can’t, therefore, leave a message. But, I would still love to entered for this competition – I think the free advertising opportunity you are offering is invaluable.
.-= Check out Sam Liu´s awesome post: A Proposition… =-.

Hi Barbara.
Congratulations on your new baby! I know how busy you’ve been behind the scenes for the past while; it must feel great to finally launch this. You must be proud. I love the colours and pattern you’ve used for the background on The Blog Boutique; of course, purple is my favourite colour. Sure, I’d like to play… please put my name in the draw. Thanks for the opportunity.
.-= Check out Davina´s awesome post: A Sacred Space Is Not Always Sunny =-.

Yes, as you know I’ve been busy, often wishing I had more hours in a day. And yes, I’m happy I finally got the site launched. Although it still needs a few tweaks, they’re something I can do in my spare time.

What an awesome and helpful site. I know there are many full website services, but I like your niche and specialty boutique idea. I think it will be a big draw for us less techie-minded bloggers wanting to spruce up the place without a full overhaul. It’s great that you give so much for free, yet work a business into as well.

That’s true. Some bloggers only want a simple tweak so a new header image could do the trick, Hopefully they learn how to change their header graphic faster than I did. Boy, for some reason that really stumped me.

Congrats about your new site! You have certainly moved forward in your intentions and created something meaningful. Now I know who or which site to send my friends to in the event that they have problems with their headers!

Hi Barbara .. great idea .. and all the information on the new blog – I’m probably being stupid – but I couldn’t find where to comment?! Also the Observation Mountain and the GoDaddy, Yahoo & 2 others, and the affiliate theme boxes didn’t open .. (just refreshed & Affiliate Themes, GoD and Blue Host kicked in ..)

Hi Barbara – Wow! What an awesome project! The hard work you’ve been doing is evident, and your premise is really admirable. Your creative skills are really stunning – the effects you’ve mastered are gorgeous. Very impressive!

Thank you so much for the ADvatar of our e-book, as well! Delighted to participate in your contest!
.-= Check out Betsy Wuebker´s awesome post: What I Should Have Said =-.

It looks like you have been working hard. Great idea to offer bloggers headers. I like that. If I win, I’m hoping to get a 125 x 125 pixel button over at your site taking you to my downloadable ebook Zero to Blog. I’d just love that. For the time being,

I just designed my first jbulie’s blog button, http://juleiangelos.com, if any of your blogging friends or you would like to grab it! It’s free with a link. It’s on my sidebar.

You’ve been a very busy girl! The Blog Boutique is just lovely and I’m sure that many WP users will benefit greatly by having such a beautiful selection of headers to choose from. I wish you all the best with your new blog.

Barbara,
We would like to be entered into your contest to win something great. We are on the verge of setting up our own website in order to promote and sell “the Happy Window Cleaners Guidebook to $200 a day” which we reprint (with updates) every year. We’ve sold a bunch of them over the 10 years we’ve been distributing. We sold them thru classified advertising in magazines like Entrepeneur. This year, we’re doing an e-book and we’re very excited. Hope we win something! We’re Senior Citizens and happy about it!
Thanks for your blog, we enjoy everything you write and look forward to receiving your thoughts.
Michele and Todd Butterworth

With you not having anything to link to yet, I don’t know if this round of the contest will work for you, but please do keep me posted on your progress. When you have your website up and running, I’ll come by and see what we can do. Your book sounds fascinating.

I so wanted to see what your new blog looks like and so was disappointed to find that none of the images were loading for me. Might just be a problem at my end of things but just thought I’d mention it in case it’s happening for anyone else at the moment.

I take a few days off and come back to find a new baby!! The new site’s glorious and will help a lot of folk. If you think my site fits the bill (it’s not specifically a product, but it’s there to support bloggers), please add me to the draw.-= Check out janice | Sharing the Journey´s awesome post: Writers Write (Revisited): Your Comments are Part of Your Writing Mosaic =-.

Oh Barbara,
I am so so so so happy this site is UP! I have been curiously waiting to see it.
And its gorgeous! And lavender..and my god its like youve created my own little blog heaven…wow! You knwo how i love to tweak my blogs design na…your headers a fantabulous!
I would love to participate int he contest…love love love to!! I have blog boutique open in the next tab…so toodles…am off to grab so gorgeous pics
Much Love,
Z~
.-= Check out Zeenat{Positive Provocations}´s awesome post: 5 Simple Steps To Enhance Your Happiness =-.

WOW! You are excited. I know you love to tweak you site, too, so I’m not surprised you like it so much. Do keep an eye on it, or subscribe as I will be adding more as time passes. In fact I’m currently working on adding a slideshow of some of the samples. I’m thinking that may make it easier to find stuff. We’ll see.

Wow! I’ve just spent a bit of time reading everything over there. First of all, it has a lovely look of boutique. And the header is just awesome! I love how it’s repeated down the sidebar. Like a good book — the broad topics all reflecting the title page.

The first I realized your passion for photo manip is now! And boy do you do it well. Do you use a slew of software or just PS? Whatever filters you’re using are beautiful. Especially on the peony.

I’m so excited for you, Barbara. You do set the pace for the rest of us. And hold out a big hopeful carrot by your accomplishments. Inspires me to action…

Now I must hurry up so I have something to AD to your store.
.-= Check out Barb Hartsook´s awesome post: We Live Where Our Focus Is =-.

Yes. Over the past few years I’ve been tweaking photos, mainly just personal ones, with whatever software I find. I haven’t gotten around to purchasing PS (which is on my wish list), but do use Gimp, plus a few others.

The peony is actually one of the first I played with. I was amazed at what a few tweaks could do. I’m happy I can now share it with others.

I’ll enter you in the drawing, so be thinking of what you might want to advertise. Might you have some of your beautiful art for sale?

Aahh… but did you not say our ADs must be blog related? Okay — maybe I can think how that will work. Okay — now that I’ve said that, thoughts are popping. I’ll get busy.

I’m doubly impressed you have done this work in GIMP. I don’t have Photoshop, and thought once I might try GIMP. Hahahahahaha! Not. You are somewhat geeky, my friend. (A compliment of the highest order coming from me.)
.-= Check out Barb Hartsook´s awesome post: We Live Where Our Focus Is =-.

The ad can be for you, your blog, OR a service/product you offer. For example, if you were also a life coach, an artist, or maybe you’ve developed an ebook, BUT you are ALSO a blogger.

I want the ads to be all about bloggers and what they have done with their blogs – not lead to a site that sells an ED product, porn or the like. I want to show other bloggers where bloggers are taking their blogs and their talents. Oh, all the possibilities…..

I’ve also taken a look at your new business and I love the talent and beauty you express there. Right now you are the graphics bargain online. people better hurry because I know once you get busy those introductory prices will probably change. It’s totally inspiring to see you bring this to fruition.
.-= Check out Tom Volkar / Delightful Work´s awesome post: Authentic Inspiration Zaps Procrastination =-.

Some have had problems leaving comments on The Blog Boutique, and for that reason, I will add your name into the drawing.

As a note: The only place you can leave a comment is on the posts which are listed in the sidebar under “Latest Additions” or under “Freebies”. I know it can be confusing as the home page is a “page” and not a post.

[...] is go to one Barbara’s other blogs, Blogging Without A Blog, read the post about the new site My New Baby – The Unveiling, follow the simple instructions and leave a couple of comments as directed. Very simple to enter, [...]

Congratulations on your new project!
Your web-site is such a great resource for newbies like me that I wanted to send some of my readers your way. If you’ve got time, I’ve got an award for you at http://www.oholivejuice.blogspot.com .
Cheers – G

HI Barbara,
I have been so curious about your project and here it is, your new baby.
Of course I have been to the ‘nursery’ straight away to see ‘baby’ first. So cool and lots of headers to choose from, it was a hard choice but the tree won in the end.
Sounds glorious to make use in that way of all your talents.
I bet that it is fun to make blogs look attractive and I do like how this looks as well.
I can understand that you are busy, like every new mom.
Take care of yourself though, love Wilma
.-= Check out Wilma Ham´s awesome post: Wilma on Accountability and safety =-.

Congratulations on your new baby Barbara – looks as though it’s bouncing with health.

What graphics software are you using?
I tried Photoshop for a while but never enjoyed using it.
Then I tried Adobe Fireworks, thought that it was brilliant.
Never looked back and there are plenty of Fireworks tutorials out there.

Hope the site goes well and look forward to your third site. LOL.
.-= Check out Keith Davis´s awesome post: A helping hand… =-.

I use a variety of free graphics software, including Gimp and Paint. I’ve heard so much about Photoshop, but can’t justify the expense since my project is so new. I hadn’t heard of Adobe Fireworks so I’ll have to check that one out, too.

LOL Third site? The Blog Boutique is actually my fourth. I have a “green” blog, but I don’t update it too often.